Why So Much Poverty in 16th Century Germany?

In many parts of Europe the increase in population began to outstrip improvements in agriculture from about 1500 onwards and this process continued in many parts till well into 1540s. Different parts of Europe were affected at slightly different times within the period c. 1500-1550 and in many areas there were peasant uprisings which were usually suppressed with appalling savagery (with very cruel and unusual punishments for some of the leaders, for example). These uprisings sometimes became interwoven with the religious upheavals of the period.

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Social Classes in 16th Century Holy Roman Empire

In the 16th century the structure of social classes in Germany changed significantly, as did their relationship to one another. These classes were the princes, the lesser nobles, the prelates, the patricians, the burghers, the plebeians and the peasants.

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First Autograph Request in China

This was fun for me. I went to a local restaurant on Taipa Island in Macau, China and after the waitress takes my order she comes back and says “Can I have your autograph?”. In her hands is the Cirque Du Soleil ZAIA program and she has it opened to my picture for me to sign.

After I sign the program I realize that I also want a cup of coffee. But the waitress is walking around the restaurant showing people my autograph so I can’t get her attention for several minutes. So the lesson I’ve learned in this is that there is a price to fame: It’s more difficult to get a cup of coffee…

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Guns N’ Roses Album Slammed by China

Axel Rose of Guns N' Roses
Axel Rose

Chinese officials are not amused about the new album released November 24, 2008 by American rock band Guns N’ Roses. The album, which began recording in 1994, is called “Chinese Democracy” and is described by one Chinese listener as attempting to “grasp and control the world using democracy as a pawn.”

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The Elements of Screenwriting

The elements of screenwriting by Syd Field. This course available as an instructional DVD from the FinalDraft.com website.

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